| 1. |
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Ranehill, Eva, et al.
(author)
-
Hormonal Contraceptives Do Not Impact Economic Preferences: Evidence from a Randomized Trial
- 2018
-
In: Management science. - : Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). - 0025-1909 .- 1526-5501. ; 64:10, s. 4471-4965
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A growing body of correlational studies suggests that sex hormones such as those contained in, or affected by, oral contraceptives (OCs) may impact economic behavior. However, despite widespread use of OCs among women in Western countries, little is known about their potential behavioral effects. The present study investigates whether OCs causally influence economic preferences. We randomly allocate 340 women aged 18–35 to three months of a widely used OC or placebo treatment. At the end of treatment, we conduct an economic experiment measuring altruism, financial risk taking, and willingness to compete. The statistical power is 80% to detect an effect size equal to a Cohen’s d of 0.30 at the 5% level. We find no significant effects of OCs on any of the measured preferences, indicating that this widely used OC treatment, commonly used throughout the world, does not significantly affect the measured economic preferences. Further, we find no relation between menstrual cycle phase and economic preferences in the placebo group.
|
|
| 6. |
- Stenler, S, et al.
(author)
-
Immunization with HIV-1 envelope T20-encoding DNA vaccines elicits cross-clade neutralizing antibody responses.
- 2017
-
In: Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2164-5515 .- 2164-554X. ; 13:12, s. 2849-2858
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Genetic immunization is expected to induce the expression of antigens in a native form. The encoded peptide epitopes are presented on endogenous MHC molecules, mimicking antigen presentation during a viral infection. We have explored the potential of enfuvirtide (T20), a short HIV peptide with antiviral properties, to enhance immune response to HIV antigens. To generate an expression vector, the T20 sequence was cloned into a conventional plasmid, the novel minicircle construct, and a replicon plasmid. In addition, three conventional plasmids that express the envelope of HIV-1 subtypes A, B and C and contain T20 in their gp41 sequences were also tested.RESULTS: All combinations induced HIV-specific antibodies and cellular responses. The addition of T20 as a peptide and as an expression cassette in the three DNA vectors enhanced antibody responses. The highest anti-HIV-1 Env titers were obtained by the replicon T20 construct. This demonstrates that besides its known antiviral activity, T20 promotes immune responses. We also confirm that the combination of slightly divergent antigens improves immune responses.CONCLUSIONS: The antiretroviral T20 HIV-1 sequence can be used as an immunogen to elicit binding and neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1. These, or similarly modified gp41 genes/peptides, can be used as priming or boosting components for induction of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies. Future comparative studies will reveal the optimal mode of T20 administration.
|
|
| 7. |
- Torén, Kjell, 1952, et al.
(author)
-
Vital capacity and COPD: the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS)
- 2016
-
In: International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1178-2005. ; 11:1, s. 927-933
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Spirometric diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is based on the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/vital capacity (VC), either as a fixed value <0.7 or below the lower limit of normal (LLN). Forced vital capacity (FVC) is a proxy for VC. The first aim was to compare the use of FVC and VC, assessed as the highest value of FVC or slow vital capacity (SVC), when assessing the FEV1/VC ratio in a general population setting. The second aim was to evaluate the characteristics of subjects with COPD who obtained a higher SVC than FVC. Methods: Subjects (n=1,050) aged 50-64 years were investigated with FEV1, FVC, and SVC after bronchodilation. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) COPDFVC was defined as FEV1/FVC <0.7, GOLDCOPD(VC) as FEV1/VC <0.7 using the maximum value of FVC or SVC, LLNCOPDFVC as FEV1/FVC below the LLN, and LLNCOPDVC as FEV1/VC below the LLN using the maximum value of FVC or SVC. Results: Prevalence of GOLDCOPD(FVC) was 10.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.2-12.0) and the prevalence of LLNCOPDFVC was 9.5% (95% CI 7.8-11.4). When estimates were based on VC, the prevalence became higher; 16.4% (95% CI 14.3-18.9) and 15.6% (95% CI 13.5-17.9) for GOLDCOPD(VC) and LLNCOPDVC, respectively. The group of additional subjects classified as having COPD based on VC, had lower FEV1, more wheeze and higher residual volume compared to subjects without any COPD. Conclusion: The prevalence of COPD was significantly higher when the ratio FEV1/VC was calculated using the highest value of SVC or FVC compared with using FVC only. Subjects classified as having COPD when using the VC concept were more obstructive and with indications of air trapping. Hence, the use of only FVC when assessing airflow limitation may result in a considerable under diagnosis of subjects with mild COPD.
|
|
| 8. |
- Wilkinson, Mark D., et al.
(author)
-
Comment : The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship
- 2016
-
In: Scientific Data. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2052-4463. ; 3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There is an urgent need to improve the infrastructure supporting the reuse of scholarly data. A diverse set of stakeholders-representing academia, industry, funding agencies, and scholarly publishers-have come together to design and jointly endorse a concise and measureable set of principles that we refer to as the FAIR Data Principles. The intent is that these may act as a guideline for those wishing to enhance the reusability of their data holdings. Distinct from peer initiatives that focus on the human scholar, the FAIR Principles put specific emphasis on enhancing the ability of machines to automatically find and use the data, in addition to supporting its reuse by individuals. This Comment is the first formal publication of the FAIR Principles, and includes the rationale behind them, and some exemplar implementations in the community.
|
|
| 9. |
- Adrian-Kalchhauser, Irene, et al.
(author)
-
The mitochondrial genome sequences of the round goby and the sand goby reveal patterns of recent evolution in gobiid fish
- 2017
-
In: BMC Genomics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2164. ; 18:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Vertebrate mitochondrial genomes are optimized for fast replication and low cost of RNA expression. Accordingly, they are devoid of introns, are transcribed as polycistrons and contain very little intergenic sequences. Usually, vertebrate mitochondrial genomes measure between 16.5 and 17 kilobases (kb). Results During genome sequencing projects for two novel vertebrate models, the invasive round goby and the sand goby, we found that the sand goby genome is exceptionally small (16.4 kb), while the mitochondrial genome of the round goby is much larger than expected for a vertebrate. It is 19 kb in size and is thus one of the largest fish and even vertebrate mitochondrial genomes known to date. The expansion is attributable to a sequence insertion downstream of the putative transcriptional start site. This insertion carries traces of repeats from the control region, but is mostly novel. To get more information about this phenomenon, we gathered all available mitochondrial genomes of Gobiidae and of nine gobioid species, performed phylogenetic analyses, analysed gene arrangements, and compared gobiid mitochondrial genome sizes, ecological information and other species characteristics with respect to the mitochondrial phylogeny. This allowed us amongst others to identify a unique arrangement of tRNAs among Ponto-Caspian gobies. Conclusions Our results indicate that the round goby mitochondrial genome may contain novel features. Since mitochondrial genome organisation is tightly linked to energy metabolism, these features may be linked to its invasion success. Also, the unique tRNA arrangement among Ponto-Caspian gobies may be helpful in studying the evolution of this highly adaptive and invasive species group. Finally, we find that the phylogeny of gobiids can be further refined by the use of longer stretches of linked DNA sequence.
|
|
| 10. |
|
|
| 11. |
- Amoako-Sakyi, Daniel, et al.
(author)
-
A STAT6 Intronic Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism is Associated with Clinical Malaria in Ghanaian Children
- 2016
-
In: Genetics and Epigenetics. - 1179-237X. ; 8, s. 7-14
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Malaria pathogenesis may be influenced by IgE responses and cytokine cross-regulation. Several mutations in the IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway can alter cytokine cross-regulation and IgE responses during a Plasmodium falciparum malarial infection. This study investigated the relationship between a STAT6 intronic single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs3024974), total IgE, cytokines, and malaria severity in 238 Ghanaian children aged between 0.5 and 13 years. Total IgE and cytokine levels were measured by ELISA, while genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Compared with healthy controls, heterozygosity protected against clinical malaria: uncomplicated malaria (odds ratios [OR] = 0.13, P < 0.001), severe malarial anemia (OR = 0.18, P, 0.001), and cerebral malaria (OR = 0.39, P = 0.022). Levels of total IgE significantly differed among malaria phenotypes (P = 0.044) and rs3024974 genotypes (P = 0.037). Neither cytokine levels nor IL-6/IL-10 ratios were associated with malaria phenotypes or rs3024974 genotypes. This study suggests a role for rs3024974 in malaria pathogenesis and offers further insights into an IL-4/STAT6 pathway mutation in malaria pathogenesis.
|
|
| 12. |
- Arama, Charles, et al.
(author)
-
Epigenetics and Malaria Susceptibility/Protection : A Missing Piece of the Puzzle
- 2018
-
In: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-3224. ; 9
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A better understanding of stable changes in regulation of gene expression that result from epigenetic events is of great relevance in the development of strategies to prevent and treat infectious diseases. Histone modification and DNA methylation are key epigenetic mechanisms that can be regarded as marks, which ensure an accurate transmission of the chromatin states and gene expression profiles over generations of cells. There is an increasing list of these modifications, and the complexity of their action is just beginning to be understood. It is clear that the epigenetic landscape plays a fundamental role in most biological processes that involve the manipulation and expression of DNA. Although the molecular mechanism of gene regulation is relatively well understood, the hierarchical order of events and dependencies that lead to protection against infection remain largely unknown. In this review, we propose that host epigenetics is an essential, though relatively under studied, factor in the protection or susceptibility to malaria.
|
|
| 13. |
- Blomberg, Ann-Catrin, et al.
(author)
-
Student nurses' experiences of preserved dignity in perioperative practice : Part 1
- 2015
-
In: Nursing Ethics. - : SAGE Publications. - 0969-7330 .- 1477-0989. ; 22:6, s. 676-687
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:In recent years, operating theatre nurse students' education focussed on ethical value issues and how the patient's dignity is respected in the perioperative practice. Health professionals are frequently confronted with ethical issues that can impact on patient's care during surgery.OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to present what operating theatre nurse students experienced and interpreted as preserved dignity in perioperative practice.RESEARCH DESIGN:The study has a descriptive design with a hermeneutic approach. Data were collected using Flanagan's critical incident technique.PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT:Operating theatre nurse students from Sweden and Norway participated and collected data in 2011, after education in ethics and dignity. Data consisting of 47 written stories and the text were analysed with hermeneutical text interpretation.ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:The study was conducted accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by a local University Ethics Research Committee. FINDINGS:The findings revealed that students experienced that operating theatre nurses perserved patient's dignity in perioperative practice by being present for each other and making themselves known to the patient. Operating theatre nurses caring for the patient by being compassionate and preserved the patient privacy. The new understanding that emerged was that the operating theatre nurse students understood that the operating theatre nurse wanted to care for the patient like a human being. DISCUSSION:In the discussion, we have illuminated how professional ethics may be threatened by more pragmatic and utilitarian arguments contained in regulations and transplant act. CONCLUSION:Preserved dignity is an ethical and caring act. Ethical questions and how to preserve dignity in perioperative practice should be discussed more both in educations of healthcare professionals and in clinical practice.
|
|
| 14. |
- Blomberg, Margareta R. A., et al.
(author)
-
How cytochrome c oxidase can pump four protons per oxygen molecule at high electrochemical gradient
- 2015
-
In: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Bioenergetics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0005-2728 .- 1879-2650. ; 1847:3, s. 364-376
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Experiments have shown that the A-family cytochrome c oxidases pump four protons per oxygen molecule, also at a high electrochemical gradient. This has been considered a puzzle, since two of the reduction potentials involved, Cu(II) and Fe(III), were estimated from experiments to be too low to afford proton pumping at a high gradient The present quantum mechanical study (using hybrid density functional theory) suggests a solution to this puzzle. First, the calculations show that the charge compensated Cu(II) potential for Cu-B is actually much higher than estimated from experiment, of the same order as the reduction potentials for the tyrosyl radical and the ferryl group, which are also involved in the catalytic cycle. The reason for the discrepancy between theory and experiment is the very large uncertainty in the experimental observations used to estimate the equilibrium potentials, mainly caused by the lack of methods for direct determination of reduced Cu-B. Second, the calculations show that a high energy metastable state, labeled E-H, is involved during catalytic turnover. The E-H state mixes the low reduction potential of Fe(III) in heme a(3) with another, higher potential, here suggested to be that of the tyrosyl radical, resulting in enough exergonicity to allow proton pumping at a high gradient In contrast, the corresponding metastable oxidized state, O-H, is not significantly higher in energy than the resting state, O. Finally, to secure the involvement of the high energy E-H state it is suggested that only one proton is taken up via the K-channel during catalytic turnover.
|
|
| 15. |
- Blomberg, Margareta R. A., et al.
(author)
-
Improved free energy profile for reduction of NO in cytochrome c dependent nitric oxide reductase (cNOR)
- 2016
-
In: Journal of Computational Chemistry. - : Wiley. - 0192-8651 .- 1096-987X. ; 37:19, s. 1810-1818
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Quantum chemical calculations play an essential role in the elucidation of reaction mechanisms for redox-active metalloenzymes. For example, the cleavage and the formation of covalent bonds can usually not be described only on the basis of experimental information, but can be followed by the calculations. Conversely, there are properties, like reduction potentials, which cannot be accurately calculated. Therefore, computational and experimental data has to be carefully combined to obtain reliable descriptions of entire catalytic cycles involving electron and proton uptake from donors outside the enzyme. Such a procedure is illustrated here, for the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous oxide and water in the membrane enzyme, cytochrome c dependent nitric oxide reductase (cNOR). A surprising experimental observation is that this reaction is nonelectrogenic, which means that no energy is conserved. On the basis of hybrid density functional calculations a free energy profile for the entire catalytic cycle is obtained, which agrees much better with experimental information on the active site reduction potentials than previous ones. Most importantly the energy profile shows that the reduction steps are endergonic and that the entire process is rate-limited by high proton uptake barriers during the reduction steps. This result implies that, if the reaction were electrogenic, it would become too slow when the gradient is present across the membrane. This explains why this enzyme does not conserve any of the free energy released.
|
|
| 16. |
- Blomberg, Margareta R. A., et al.
(author)
-
Protonation of the binuclear active site in cytochrome c oxidase decreases the reduction potential of Cu-B
- 2015
-
In: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Bioenergetics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0005-2728 .- 1879-2650. ; 1847:10, s. 1173-1180
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- One of the remaining mysteries regarding the respiratory enzyme cytochrome c oxidase is how proton pumping can occur in all reduction steps in spite of the low reduction potentials observed in equilibrium titration experiments for two of the active site cofactors, CUB(II) and Fe-a3(III). It has been speculated that, at least the copper cofactor can acquire two different states, one metastable activated state occurring during enzyme turnover, and one relaxed state with lower energy, reached only when the supply of electrons stops. The activated state should have a transiently increased Cu-B(II) reduction potential, allowing proton pumping. The relaxed state should have a lower reduction potential, as measured in the titration experiments. However, the structures of these two states are not known. Quantum mechanical calculations show that the proton coupled reduction potential for Cu-B is inherently high in the active site as it appears after reaction with oxygen, which explains the observed proton pumping. It is suggested here that, when the flow of electrons ceases, a relaxed resting state is formed by the uptake of one extra proton, on top of the charge compensating protons delivered in each reduction step. The extra proton in the active site decreases the proton coupled reduction potential for Cu-B by almost half a volt, leading to agreement with titration experiments. Furthermore, the structure for the resting state with an extra proton is found to have a hydroxo-bridge between Cu-B(II) and Fe-a3(III), yielding a magnetic coupling that can explain the experimentally observed EPR silence.
|
|
| 17. |
- Blomberg, Sara, et al.
(author)
-
Bimetallic nanoparticles as a model system for an industrial NiMo catalyst
- 2019
-
In: Materials. - : MDPI AG. - 1996-1944. ; 12:22
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An in-depth understanding of the reactionmechanismis required for the further development of Mo-based catalysts for biobased feedstocks. However, fundamental studies of industrial catalysts are challenging, and simplified systems are often used without direct comparison to their industrial counterparts. Here, we report on size-selected bimetallic NiMo nanoparticles as a candidate for a model catalyst that is directly compared to the industrial system to evaluate their industrial relevance. Both the nanoparticles and industrial supported NiMo catalysts were characterized using surface- and bulk-sensitive techniques. We found that the active Ni and Mo metals in the industrial catalyst are well dispersed and well mixed on the support, and that the interaction between Ni and Mo promotes the reduction of the Mo oxide. We successfully produced 25 nm NiMo alloyed nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. Characterization of the nanoparticles showed that they have a metallic core with a native oxide shell with a high potential for use as a model system for fundamental studies of hydrotreating catalysts for biobased feedstocks. © 2019 by the authors.
|
|
| 18. |
- Blomberg, S., et al.
(author)
-
Comparison of AP-XPS and PLIF Measurements during CO Oxidation over Pd Single Crystals
- 2016
-
In: Topics in Catalysis. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1022-5528 .- 1572-9028. ; 59:5-7, s. 478-486
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The interaction between the gas-phase molecules and a catalyst surface is crucial for the surface structure and are therefore important to consider when the active phase of a catalyst is studied. In this study we have used two different techniques to study the gas phase during CO oxidation over Pd single crystals. Gas-phase imaging by planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) shows that a spherical boundary layer with a decreasing gradient of CO2 concentration out from the surface, is present close to the surface when the Pd crystal is highly active. Within this boundary layer the gas composition is completely different than that detected at the outlet of the chamber. The PLIF images of the gas-phase distribution are used to achieve a better understanding of the gas composition between the surface and the detector of a set-up for ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS), a common technique for surface structure determination of model catalysts. The results show that also the gas-phase peaks present in the AP-XPS spectra truly represent the gas closest to the surface, which facilitates the interpretation of the AP-XPS spectra and thereby also the understanding of the mechanism behind the reaction process.
|
|
| 19. |
- Blomberg, Sara, et al.
(author)
-
Strain Dependent Light-off Temperature in Catalysis Revealed by Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence
- 2017
-
In: ACS Catalysis. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 2155-5435. ; 7:1, s. 110-114
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Understanding how specific atom sites on metal surfaces lower the energy barrier for chemical reactions is vital in catalysis. Studies on simplified model systems have shown that atoms arranged as steps on the surface play an important role in catalytic reactions, but a direct comparison of how the light-off temperature is affected by the atom orientation on the step has not yet been possible due to methodological constraints. Here we report in situ spatially resolved measurements of the CO2 production over a cylindrical-shaped Pd catalyst and show that the light-off temperature at different parts of the crystal depends on the step orientation of the two types of steps (named A and B). Our finding is supported by density functional theory calculations, revealing that the steps, in contrast to what has been previously reported in the literature, are not directly involved in the reaction onset but have the role of releasing stress.
|
|
| 20. |
- Cullinan, Paul, et al.
(author)
-
Occupational lung diseases : from old and novel exposures to effective preventive strategies
- 2017
-
In: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. - 2213-2600 .- 2213-2619. ; 5:5, s. 445-455
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Occupational exposure is an important, global cause of respiratory disease. Unlike many other non-communicable lung diseases, the proximal causes of many occupational lung diseases are well understood and they should be amenable to control with use of established and effective approaches. Therefore, the risks arising from exposure to silica and asbestos are well known, as are the means of their prevention. Although the incidence of occupational lung disease has decreased in many countries, in parts of the world undergoing rapid economic transition and population growth-often with large informal and unregulated workforces-occupational exposures continue to impose a heavy burden of disease. The incidence of interstitial and malignant lung diseases remains unacceptably high because control measures are not implemented or exposures arise in novel ways. With the advent of innovative technologies, new threats are continually introduced to the workplace (eg, indium compounds and vicinal diketones). In developed countries, work-related asthma is the commonest occupational lung disease of short latency. Although generic control measures to reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating asthma are well recognised, there is still uncertainty, for example, with regards to the management of workers who develop asthma but remain in the same job. In this Review, we provide recommendations for research, surveillance, and other action for reducing the burden of occupational lung diseases.
|
|
| 21. |
|
|
| 22. |
- Dove, Rosamund E., et al.
(author)
-
Cigarette smoke-induced induction of antioxidant enzyme activities in airway leukocytes is absent in active smokers with COPD
- 2015
-
In: European Clinical Respiratory Journal. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2001-8525. ; 2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Oxidative injury to the airway has been proposed as an important underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As the extent of oxidant-mediated damage is dependent on the endogenous antioxidant defences within the airways, we examined whether COPD was associated with deficiencies in the antioxidant network within the respiratory tract lining fluids (RTLFs) and resident airway leukocytes. We hypothesised that COPD would be associated with both basal depression of antioxidant defences and impaired adaptive antioxidant responses to cigarette smoke.METHODS: Low molecular weight and enzymatic antioxidants together with metal-handling proteins were quantified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and airway leukocytes, derived from current (n=9) and ex-smoking COPD patients (n=15), as well as from smokers with normal lung function (n=16) and healthy never smokers (n=13).RESULTS: Current cigarette smoking was associated with an increase in ascorbate and glutathione within peripheral RTLFs in both smokers with normal lung function compared with healthy never smokers and in COPD smokers compared with COPD ex-smokers. In contrast, intra-cellular antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase) were only up-regulated in smokers with normal lung function compared with healthy never smokers and not in actively smoking COPD patients relative to COPD ex-smokers.CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence of impaired basal antioxidant defences, within either the RTLFs or airway leukocytes in stable ex-smoking COPD patients compared with healthy never smoking controls. Current cigarette smoking induced an up-regulation of low molecular weight antioxidants in the RTLFs of both control subjects with normal lung function and patients with COPD. Importantly, the present data demonstrated a cigarette smoke-induced increase in intra-cellular antioxidant enzyme activities only within the smokers with normal lung function, implying that patients with COPD who continue to smoke will experience enhanced oxidative stress, prompting disease progression.
|
|
| 23. |
- Ferraris, M., et al.
(author)
-
Antibacterial silver nanocluster/silica composite coatings on stainless steel
- 2017
-
In: Applied Surface Science. - : Elsevier. - 0169-4332 .- 1873-5584. ; 396, s. 1546-1555
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A coating made of silver nanocluster/silica composites has been deposited, via a radio frequency (RF) co-sputtering technique, for the first time onto stainless steel (AISI 304L) with the aim to improve its antibacterial properties. Different thermal treatments after coating deposition have been applied in order to optimize the coating adhesion, cohesion and its antibacterial properties. Its applicability has been investigated at realistic conditions in a cheese production plant. The physico-chemical characteristics of the coatings have been analyzed by means of different bulk and surface analytical techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to assess coating morphology, composition, surface roughness, wetting properties, size and local distribution of the nanoparticles within the coating. Tape tests were used to determine the adhesion/cohesion properties of the coating. The amount and time-dependence of released silver in solutions of acetic acid, artificial water, artificial tap water and artificial milk were determined by means of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The antibacterial effect of the coating was evaluated at different experimental conditions using a standard bacterial strain of Staphylococcus aureus in compliance with National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) and AATCC 147 standards. The Ahearn test was performed to measure the adhesion of bacteria to the coated stainless steel surface compared with a control surface. The antibacterial coating retained its antibacterial activity after thermal treatment up to 450 °C and after soaking in common cleaning products for stainless steel surfaces used for e.g. food applications. The antibacterial capacity of the coating remained at high levels for 1-5 days, and showed a good capacity to reduce the adhesion of bacteria up to 30 days. Only a few percent of silver in the coating was released into acetic acid, even after 10 days of exposure at 40 °C. Most silver (> 90%) remained also in the coating even after 240 h of continuous exposure. Similar observations were made after repeated exposure at 100 °C. Very low levels of released silver in solution were observed in artificial milk. No release of silver nanoparticles was observed either in synthetic tap water or in artificial milk at given conditions. The coating further displayed good antibacterial properties also when tested during working conditions in a cheese production plant.
|
|
| 24. |
- Gifford, Robert J., et al.
(author)
-
Nomenclature for endogenous retrovirus (ERV) loci
- 2018
-
In: Retrovirology. - : BMC. - 1742-4690. ; 15
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Retroviral integration into germline DNA can result in the formation of a vertically inherited proviral sequence called an endogenous retrovirus (ERV). Over the course of their evolution, vertebrate genomes have accumulated many thousands of ERV loci. These sequences provide useful retrospective information about ancient retroviruses, and have also played an important role in shaping the evolution of vertebrate genomes. There is an immediate need for a unified system of nomenclature for ERV loci, not only to assist genome annotation, but also to facilitate research on ERVs and their impact on genome biology and evolution. In this review, we examine how ERV nomenclatures have developed, and consider the possibilities for the implementation of a systematic approach for naming ERV loci. We propose that such a nomenclature should not only provide unique identifiers for individual loci, but also denote orthologous relationships between ERVs in different species. In addition, we propose that-where possible-mnemonic links to previous, well-established names for ERV loci and groups should be retained. We show how this approach can be applied and integrated into existing taxonomic and nomenclature schemes for retroviruses, ERVs and transposable elements.
|
|
| 25. |
- Hinkula, Jorma, et al.
(author)
-
HIVIS-DNA or HIVISopt-DNA priming followed by CMDR vaccinia-based boosts induce both humoral and cellular murine immune responses to HIV.
- 2017
-
In: Heliyon. - : Elsevier. - 2405-8440. ; 3:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In order to develop a more effective prophylactic HIV-1 vaccine it is important optimize the components, improve Envelope glycoprotein immunogenicity as well as to explore prime-boost immunization schedules. It is also valuable to include several HIV-1 subtype antigens representing the world-wide epidemic.METHODS: HIVIS-DNA plasmids which include Env genes of subtypes A, B and C together with Gag subtypes A and B and RTmut/Rev of subtype B were modified as follows: the Envelope sequences were shortened, codon optimized, provided with an FT4 sequence and an immunodominant region mutated. The reverse transcriptase (RT) gene was shortened to contain the most immunogenic N-terminal fragment and fused with an inactivated viral protease vPR gene. HIVISopt-DNA thus contains fewer plasmids but additional PR epitopes compared to the native HIVIS-DNA. DNA components were delivered intradermally to young Balb/c mice once, using a needle-free Biojector® immediately followed by dermal electroporation. Vaccinia-based MVA-CMDR boosts including Env gene E and Gag-RT genes A were delivered intramuscularly by needle, once or twice.RESULTS: Both HIVIS-DNA and HIVISopt-DNA primed humoral and cell mediated responses well. When boosted with heterologous MVA-CMDR (subtypes A and E) virus inhibitory neutralizing antibodies were obtained to HIV-1 subtypes A, B, C and AE. Both plasmid compositions boosted with MVA-CMDR generated HIV-1 specific cellular responses directed against HIV-1 Env, Gag and Pol, as measured by IFNγ ELISpot. It was shown that DNA priming augmented the vector MVA immunological boosting effects, the HIVISopt-DNA with a trend to improved (Env) neutralization, the HIVIS-DNA with a trend to better (Gag) cell mediated immune reponses.CONCLUSIONS: HIVIS-DNA was modified to obtain HIVISopt-DNA that had fewer plasmids, and additional epitopes. Even with one DNA prime followed by two MVA-CMDR boosts, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were readily induced by priming with either DNA construct composition. Priming by HIV-DNA augmented neutralizing antibody responses revealed by boosting with the vaccinia-based heterologous sequences. Cellular and antibody responses covered selected strains representing HIV-1 subtypes A, B, C and CRF01_AE. We assume this is related to the inclusion of heterologous full genes in the vaccine schedule.
|
|
| 26. |
|
|
| 27. |
- Huuva, Ivan, et al.
(author)
-
Measurements of forest biomass change using L- and P-band SAR backscatter
- 2017
-
In: International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS). - 9781509049516 ; 2017-July, s. 5818-5821, s. 5818-5821
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Three-year forest above-ground biomass change were measured using L- and P-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) backscatter. The SAR data were collected in the airborne BioSAR 2007 and BioSAR 2010 campaigns over the hemiboreal Remningstorp test site in southern Sweden. Regression models for biomass were developed using reference biomass maps created using airborne laser scanning data and field measurements. The results from regression analysis show that using HV backscatter (or VH) in a model with above-ground biomass and backscatter change on either natural logarithmic or square root, and decibel scale, respectively, explained most of the variation in the biomass change, both for L- and P-band. In the case of L-band, the two best cases showed R2 values of 66%, when comparing two SAR images acquired 2007 and 2010. For P-band using the same models, the best cases showed R2 values of 62%. In summary, the results look promising using L- and P-band backscattering for mapping biomass change.
|
|
| 28. |
|
|
| 29. |
- Kumar, Abhinav, et al.
(author)
-
Enrichment of immunoregulatory proteins in the biomolecular corona of nanoparticles within human respiratory tract lining fluid
- 2016
-
In: Nanomedicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1549-9634 .- 1549-9642. ; 12:4, s. 1033-1043
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- When inhaled nanoparticles deposit in the lungs, they transit through respiratory tract lining fluid (RTLF) acquiring a biomolecular corona reflecting the interaction of the RTLF with the nanomaterial surface. Label-free snapshot proteomics was used to generate semiquantitative profiles of corona proteins formed around silica (SiO2) and poly(vinyl) acetate (PVAc) nanoparticles in RTLF, the latter employed as an archetype drug delivery vehicle. The evolved PVAc corona was significantly enriched compared to that observed on SiO2 nanoparticles (698 vs. 429 proteins identified); however both coronas contained a substantial contribution from innate immunity proteins, including surfactant protein A, napsin A and complement (C1q and C3) proteins. Functional protein classification supports the hypothesis that corona formation in RTLF constitutes opsonisation, preparing particles for phagocytosis and clearance from the lungs. These data highlight how an understanding of the evolved corona is necessary for the design of inhaled nanomedicines with acceptable safety and tailored clearance profiles. From the Clinical Editor: Inhaled nanoparticles often acquire a layer of protein corona while they go through the respiratory tract. Here, the authors investigated the identity of these proteins. The proper identification would improve the understanding of the use of inhaled nanoparticles in future therapeutics. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc.
|
|
| 30. |
|
|
| 31. |
|
|
| 32. |
- Pfaff, S., et al.
(author)
-
Combining high-energy X-ray diffraction with Surface Optical Reflectance and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence for operando catalyst surface characterization
- 2019
-
In: Review of Scientific Instruments. - : AIP Publishing. - 0034-6748 .- 1089-7623. ; 90:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have combined three techniques, High Energy Surface X-Ray Diffraction (HESXRD), Surface Optical Reflectance, and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence in an operando study of CO oxidation over a Pd(100) catalyst. We show that these techniques provide useful new insights such as the ability to verify that the finite region being probed by techniques such as HESXRD is representative of the sample surface as a whole. The combination is also suitable to determine when changes in gas composition or surface structure and/or morphology occur and to subsequently correlate them with high temporal resolution. In the study, we confirm previous results which show that the Pd(100) surface reaches high activity before an oxide can be detected. Furthermore, we show that the single crystal catalyst surface does not behave homogeneously, which we attribute to the surface being exposed to inhomogeneous gas conditions in mass transfer limited scenarios.
|
|
| 33. |
- Quin, Jaclyn E., et al.
(author)
-
Major transcriptional changes observed in the Fulani, an ethnic group less susceptible to malaria
- 2017
-
In: eLIFE. - 2050-084X. ; 6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Fulani ethnic group has relatively better protection from Plasmodium falciparum malaria, as reflected by fewer symptomatic cases of malaria, lower infection rates, and lower parasite densities compared to sympatric ethnic groups. However, the basis for this lower susceptibility to malaria by the Fulani is unknown. The incidence of classic malaria resistance genes are lower in the Fulani than in other sympatric ethnic populations, and targeted SNP analyses of other candidate genes involved in the immune response to malaria have not been able to account for the observed difference in the Fulani susceptibility to P.falciparum. Therefore, we have performed a pilot study to examine global transcription and DNA methylation patterns in specific immune cell populations in the Fulani to elucidate the mechanisms that confer the lower susceptibility to P.falciparum malaria. When we compared uninfected and infected Fulani individuals, in contrast to uninfected and infected individuals from the sympatric ethnic group Mossi, we observed a key difference: a strong transcriptional response was only detected in the monocyte fraction of the Fulani, where over 1000 genes were significantly differentially expressed upon P.falciparum infection.
|
|
| 34. |
|
|
| 35. |
- Siegbahn, Per E. M., et al.
(author)
-
A Systematic DFT Approach for Studying Mechanisms of Redox Active Enzymes
- 2018
-
In: Frontiers in Chemistry. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-2646. ; 6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- When DFT has been applied to study mechanisms of redox processes a common procedure has been to study the results for many different functionals. For redox reactions involving the first row transition metals, this approach has given very different results for different functionals. The conclusion has been that DFT cannot be used for these reactions. In the meantime, results with strong predictability have been generated, most noteworthy for photosystem II, where all DFT predictions have been verified by experiments performed later. In order to obtain these predictive results using DFT, an alternative, systematic approach has been used, where the key differences between the results for different functionals can be rationalized by using a single parameter, rather than using the very large number of differences in the functionals.
|
|
| 36. |
|
|
| 37. |
|
|
| 38. |
- Willms, E, et al.
(author)
-
Cells release subpopulations of exosomes with distinct molecular and biological properties
- 2016
-
In: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 6, s. 22519-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cells release nano-sized membrane vesicles that are involved in intercellular communication by transferring biological information between cells. It is generally accepted that cells release at least three types of extracellular vesicles (EVs): apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes. While a wide range of putative biological functions have been attributed to exosomes, they are assumed to represent a homogenous population of EVs. We hypothesized the existence of subpopulations of exosomes with defined molecular compositions and biological properties. Density gradient centrifugation of isolated exosomes revealed the presence of two distinct subpopulations, differing in biophysical properties and their proteomic and RNA repertoires. Interestingly, the subpopulations mediated differential effects on the gene expression programmes in recipient cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that cells release distinct exosome subpopulations with unique compositions that elicit differential effects on recipient cells. Further dissection of exosome heterogeneity will advance our understanding of exosomal biology in health and disease and accelerate the development of exosome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
|
|
| 39. |
- Zetterberg, Johan, et al.
(author)
-
Laser diagnostics for the study of heterogeneous catalysis
- 2016
-
In: Laser Applications to Chemical, Security and Environmental Analysis, LACSEA 2016. - 9781943580156 ; Part F10-LACSEA 2016
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In heterogeneous catalysis the reactions occur on the surface of a catalyst. To understand the reaction pathways, a detailed understanding on an atomic level is critical. However, the gas atmosphere surrounding the surface dictates the interaction between the surface and the gas. At low pressures this is often neglected, but as the community turns to higher pressures it becomes important to consider gas related effects. We have used laser diagnostics to characterize the gas distributions during catalysis and thereby been able to deduce information that would otherwise lay hidden. Several of our recent results are summarized and highlighted and simultaneous measurements of the surface structure using synchrotron based methods and the gas phase using laser diagnostics is discussed.
|
|
